Twee gezichten op de Heilig Grafkerk in Jeruzalem before 1865

James McDonald created this photographic print of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem sometime in the mid-19th century. The image captures the architecture of a site of profound religious significance. But it also operates within a broader context of 19th-century European engagement with the Middle East. Photography at this time was often linked to colonial interests. It provided a means of documenting and classifying foreign lands and cultures, reinforcing Western perceptions and power dynamics. McDonald's work reflects the Western gaze upon Jerusalem, framing it through established aesthetic and cultural conventions. The composition, with its emphasis on architectural detail, echoes the period's fascination with historical and religious sites. We can explore 19th century travel writing, missionary accounts, and colonial records to understand its cultural and political significance. This photograph, therefore, invites us to consider not only the sacred space it depicts but also the social conditions and power relations that shape its representation.